21 March 2022 – With the official first day of Spring just a few weeks away, the weather is turning warmer and Britain’s springtime wildlife is starting to make an appearance. Whether it’s spotting nature while out walking, identifying local birds in your garden, or searching for those more elusive rare species, now is the time to plan ahead to make the most of those springtime sightings.

To have a truly immersive and enjoyable experience, a pair of binoculars are a must-have item. SWAROVSKI OPTIK, long-range optic specialists, has therefore shared a selection of tips to help novice twitchers get the most out of their equipment and enjoy a crystal-clear view this Spring.

SWAROVSKI OPTIK’s top tips include:

  • Think about the time of day – the time of day will influence the binocular objective lens required. For viewing birds mostly during the day, a high-quality smaller pair of binoculars (e.g. 32mm) are usually the ideal choice. For birding in dark forests or during dusk and dawn, binoculars with a larger objective lens (e.g. 42mm) will catch more light for a brighter image.
  • Choose the right magnification for your surroundings – think about the surroundings as this will affect the magnification required on the binoculars. For forests, woodlands and parks, a lower magnification (e.g. 8x) will be needed to give a larger field of view and depth of field which will make it easier to spot birds. For open landscapes such as wetlands and fields, a higher magnification (e.g. 10x) will allow you to spot birds further away and see more detail.
  • Adjust the barrels and eyecups – make sure the barrels and eyecups are in the correct position to match the distance between your eyes, by pulling them inward or outward until the view is a perfect circle. If black edges are visible, then the barrels are positioned too far apart and need to be pressed inward. Also check the eyecups are in the right position for your viewing objectives, by retracting them for a wider field of view and extending for a more focused view.
  • Stand comfortably – standing and holding binoculars in the correct way can reduce arm and hand fatigue, especially when viewing for long periods of time. Stand with feet flat and shoulder width apart and wrap your fingers around the top of the barrel and thumb placed underneath. When lifting the binoculars up to eye-level, keep the elbows in and remember there should be a gap between the eye and the ocular lens which is set by twisting the eyecup. It also helps to have a strap attached to the binoculars to ensure they can rest around the neck when not in use.
  • Practice aiming with the binoculars – it can be tricky at the start to aim binoculars at small animals such as birds, especially when moving, so spend some time practicing on a stationary distant object such as leaves on a tree or a landmark far away. Once you feel comfortable aiming the binoculars correctly, try on a small moving animal such as a bird or squirrel. Once an animal is spotted with the naked eye, keep your eyes on the subject and bring the binoculars up placing them squarely in your eyesight – don’t look down as this can easily lose sight of the bird.
  • Cleaning and looking after the binoculars – taking care of binoculars is essential and optics can quickly become in need of a clean so a set such as the Swarovski Optik CSO cleaning set is a must-have. Using a dust blower and lens cleaning brush, remove all dirt from the lens and then use a suitable lens cleaning solution to wipe the lens with a microfibre cloth. Ensure the exterior part of the binoculars is cleaned gently with a damp cloth, making sure the binoculars are completely dry before putting back into cases and replacing the lens cap.

For a further details on the best long-range optical devices suitable for a range of outdoor activities, visit the SWAROVSKI OPTIK product guide available at www.swarovskioptik.com/gb/en/birding/product-guide.

The world belongs to those who can see beauty.
Experience the moment!
SEE THE UNSEEN.

www.swarovskioptik.com

NOTES TO EDITORS

Photo caption:

  • The Common Chaffinch seen in most UK gardens during springtime. Credit Petr Ganaj on Pexels.
  • SWAROVSKI OPTIK’s CL Companion binoculars in green with Wild Nature accessory pack
  • The Great Tit is the largest UK tit and a woodland bird. Credit Marko Söönurm on Pexels.

For high-res images, visit https://we.tl/t-5ydm9vFoSh.

 ABOUT SWAROVSKI OPTIK

SWAROVSKI OPTIK, headquartered in Absam, Tyrol, is part of the Swarovski group of companies. Founded in 1949, the Austrian company specialises in the development and manufacturing of long-range optical instruments of the highest precision in the premium segment of the market. The binoculars, spotting scopes, rifle scopes, and optronic instruments are products of choice for demanding users. The company’s success is based on its innovative strength, the quality and intrinsic value of its products, and their functional and aesthetic design. The appreciation of nature is an essential part of its company philosophy and is reflected commendably in its environment-friendly production and its long-term commitment to selected nature conservation projects. The turnover in 2021 was 210.4 million euros (2020: 163.5 million euros), with an export ratio of 91%. The company has around 1,000 employees.

 For Media Enquiries, Images and SWAROVSKI OPTIK Product Loan, contact:
Sarah Salord | GEC PR | [email protected]